Introduction In the world of Pokémon, few trainers have achieved the level of fame and respect that Ash Ketchum has. But how would Ash fare in a new, unfamiliar world? In this article, we'll explore how Ash Ketchum tackles the challenges of Lumio City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, using only his classic Pokémon from the anime, and adhering to the original moves each of his Pokémon used. Can Ash rise through the ranks and become the strongest trainer? Let’s dive into his journey and see how he handles the obstacles.

Starting the Challenge: Ash's Struggle to Get His Bearings

Ash’s adventure in Lumio City begins as he steps off the train and meets his new rival, Tory. As expected, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Ash’s bag is stolen. After chasing down the thieves, Ash faces his first challenge: selecting a starter Pokémon. His choices are based on his past companions, all of whom have been vital parts of his journey. The decision isn't easy, but Ash ultimately chooses Chikorita, as it's the only Grass-type he has access to in this game.

Chikorita starts off weak, limited to just the move "Tackle," a far cry from the powerful moves Ash's Pokémon are known for. But the journey takes off nonetheless, as Ash quickly defeats the first rival battle. The challenge intensifies when Ash faces a 1v2 battle, but thanks to Chikorita's fighting spirit, he pulls through. This sets the tone for his journey: although Ash starts with limited resources, his determination and bonds with his Pokémon are what will ultimately propel him forward.

Building the Team: From Chikorita to Fletchling

After dealing with some minor setbacks and learning the ropes of the new battling system, Ash gets the opportunity to catch his first new team member: Fletchling, the Pokémon Ash famously used in his Kalos journey. Fletchling provides Ash with a much-needed second Pokémon to avoid relying solely on Chikorita.

The addition of Fletchling strengthens the team and allows Ash to begin tackling more challenging battles. However, the road ahead is long, and his next promotion match against Zach proves to be one of the toughest yet. Zach's Slowpoke and Pidgey tear through Ash's underleveled team, leaving Ash in the dust. Despite multiple attempts, Ash is forced to rethink his strategy.

The Key to Victory: Protect and Pikachu

After numerous failures, Ash takes a moment to learn about a crucial move in the new battle system: Protect. This move, akin to the anime’s concept of dodging attacks, is vital for surviving tougher matches. With the help of Protect and some clever strategy, Ash finally beats Zach.

But the real game-changer comes when Ash decides to catch a Pichu in Wild Zone 1. Although Ash’s Pichu isn’t quite ready for battle, he raises its happiness, evolves it into Pikachu, and equips the team for the next fight. Pikachu proves to be the key to overcoming Zach, as it sweeps through Zach's Pokémon with its quick attacks and Thundershocks, allowing Ash to move on to the next rank.

During his journey, some players may be tempted to take a shortcut and buy shiny Pokémon to expedite the process. While these shiny variants don’t necessarily change the core gameplay, they add a rare and visually stunning twist to the Pokémon collection. If you’re looking to speed up your quest, purchasing these shinies can add some excitement to your team and battle experience.

The Road to Rank A: A New Team and Tougher Challenges

As Ash progresses, he catches more of his iconic Pokémon from the anime, including Froakie and Heracross. These additions make the team more formidable and allow Ash to take on tougher opponents. Froakie, in particular, plays a pivotal role in many battles, helping Ash secure victories with its impressive moves like Bubble Beam and Aerial Ace.

By the time Ash reaches rank X, his team is significantly stronger, but the challenges become increasingly difficult. With his new, evolved Pokémon—Bayleaf, Froakie, and Fletchinder—Ash begins to feel more confident. Each battle presents new challenges, but with the right strategy and a growing team, Ash is well on his way to reaching the top.

The Final Stretch: Achieving Ash's Goal

The journey through Lumio City becomes even more intense as Ash approaches rank B. With the help of his evolved team and strategic thinking, he slowly begins to clear the higher ranks. But there’s still one final task ahead—Ash must face his ultimate goal of becoming the strongest trainer in Lumio City.

But the path isn’t easy. As Ash makes his way toward the top, he faces tougher rivals, including a 3v3 match against Rinu, who uses the powerful elemental monkeys. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Ash’s team stands firm, and with the help of Fletchinder, Froakie, and Pikachu, Ash secures victory and promotion to the next rank.

For players who want to further optimize their Pokémon journey, consider using platforms like U4GM, which offer a range of services to help level up your Pokémon and even acquire alpha shiny Pokémon ZA. While Ash’s journey is about growth and overcoming obstacles, these services might appeal to players seeking a more immediate boost to their team’s potential.

Ash’s journey in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a true test of skill, patience, and strategy. By adhering to his rule of using only Pokémon and moves that he has used in the anime, Ash proves that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, determination and teamwork can lead to victory. As Ash continues to rise through the ranks, it’s clear that this adventure is more than just a game—it’s a test of his growth as a trainer.